CLAYTON, N.C. -- Dozens of kids and their families will have a Merry Christmas this year.

The big reason for that is due to former Clayton High School star, Chris Archer. He now pitches for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Archer returned to his hometown Saturday with gifts and a big meal for 26 families. This effort was put together by the Archway Foundation. Archer created this agency in 2012. His goal was to find a way to give back to the community for all the love and blessings that have come his way.

"And hopefully, whenever they become successful in their field and their line of work, years from now, they'll help reach back and impact somebody's life the same way they were impacted today," he said.

This is the second year that the Archway Foundation has sponsored a Christmas event of this kind in the area. Besides this effort, the foundation also does back to school events and sponsors high school graduation scholarships.